Playgirl: The second coming
As we celebrate women past and present who have impacted culture-shifting change this month, we talk to New York member Jack Lindley Kuhns – the publisher behind the recent relaunch of Playgirl magazine
By Gisselle Babaran
First launched in 1973, at the height of second-wave feminism, Playgirl magazine was a direct response to the popularity of Playboy. The publication’s original vision was to place the gazes and voices of women front and centre – something that’s clearly visible in their iconic centrefold.
Alongside the publication’s unapologetic sexually charged visuals, early iterations of the magazine boasted contributions from feminist thought leaders including Maya Angelou, Gloria Steinem, and Margaret Atwood. Under Lindley Kuhns, Playgirl’s relaunch has seen a return to its roots – with the new issue featuring contributions from women enacting real change right now, such as Black Lives Matter cofounder Alicia Garza, teenage climate justice activist Elsa Mengistu, and Chanel Miller, the author of Know My Name.
Speaking to Lindley Kuhns at Ludlow House, he reflects on the changes in the publication’s history, the support and encouragement he’s received from readers, and the importance of representing different body types.
Photography by Myla Dalbesio (left) and Harley Weir (right)
'I think that nudity has become more socially acceptable, specifically in magazines'
What would you hope to achieve with this new version of Playgirl, and why do you think the magazine is still relevant in 2021?
‘I wouldn’t necessarily call it a new version – when the publication launched in 1973, it was intelligent, beautiful, fun, provocative, and geared towards women. Four years ago when Playgirl magazine came into my life, I wanted to bring it back to that – to its roots, but just in a contemporary way. Through the years, it has transformed into many things – porn included – but I think its very first original version, and the version we publish now, would always be relevant. However, this time around with this relaunch, we want to be more inclusive in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, and body sizes.’
What made you decide to shift the focus away from just male bodies and to include women as well?
‘Male nudity is just one aspect of the publication’s history. Iconically, it lies in the centrefold section of the magazine. Playgirl explores fashion, art, politics, beauty, etc, and both male and female nudity are naturally relevant to all those subjects.’
Photography by Harley Weir
What made you decide to shift the focus away from just male bodies and to include women as well?
'Male nudity is just one aspect of the publication’s history. Iconically, it lies in the centrefold section of the magazine. Playgirl explores fashion, art, politics, beauty, etc, and both male and female nudity are naturally relevant to all those subjects.’
How has the way we relate to nudity, sex and empowerment changed since the original Playgirl was published?
'I think that nudity has become more socially acceptable, specifically in magazines as well. For the new relaunch, especially in regards to nudity, it is imperative that it is done – and positioned – in a beautiful, respectful way.’ Why did you choose Chloë Sevigny for the cover of issue one? ‘It was important to me to have an impactful cover that reflects the change of the magazine. I believe the last issue that came out before our relaunch was “Campus hunks of Fort Lauderdale”. I have been a fan of Chloë since I saw American Psycho. We knew that having her on the cover while being pregnant would make a statement, as well as clearly mark that this issue was the beginning of a new era for Playgirl.’
Purchase the new edition here.
